Written Answers. - Commercial Fishermen.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
38
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for the Marine
the total number of commercial fishermen in the country distinguishing between full-time and part-time fishermen, and whether any steps are being taken to encourage an increase in these numbers in the years ahead.
The estimated total number of commercial fishermen in the country at the end of 1990, the latest year for which figures are available, was:
|
Full-time
|
3,350
|
|
Part-time
|
4,560
|
|
Total
|
7,910
|
An important aim of policy in relation to the fishing industry is to maintain and strengthen its contribution to the national economy and, in particular, its contribution to the generation of employment and growth in coastal communities. A number of programmes are currently in place to this end, including:
— the modernisation and restructuring of the fishing fleet;
— exploratory fishing, to encourage diversification into new fisheries;
— research into areas such as conservation, fisheries management and gear technology;
— manpower development, to raise the level of crew skill and overall vessel operating efficiency;
— fishery harbour development;
— improvement of facilities, including ice plants, at fishing ports and
— increased emphasis on quality and hygiene.
In addition, I am currently seeking special consideration for the Irish case as part of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy with the major objective of increasing employment in the industry in the future.
